"I look at it as one of those things that happened during an athletic competition," Ryan told reporters Thursday. "I didn't have a history with him. I really didn't even know him. It was just one of those things that happened. I certainly don't have any animosity toward him.

"I followed his career as a player and know how good he was. I certainly hope he has a successful career as a manager."

The two tussled on the mound after Ryan plunked the then-Sox third baseman with a pitch. Ryan got Ventura in a headlock and delivered several soft blows to the back of his head.

There could be a meeting between the two parties, perhaps as soon as this weekend.

"I'm sure we will at some point now that he's managing in this league," Ryan said.